By YANGE IKYAA
Don’t just study to graduate, study to innovate and make a difference- Emmanuel Aanu Ajayi
On June 24, 2024, the Kwara State University published a very inspiring post through its official Facebook account in celebration of an innovation by one of its promising students, which said “Big ups to Emmanuel Aanu Ajayi, a 300 level student of the department of electrical and computer engineering, who has won the 1 million naira top prize of the Engineering Project Exhibition (EPEX) 2024 Competition, held on Monday, June 24, 2024 at the University of Ilorin Auditorium.”
“Ajayi’s project, SUNPOD: A SOLAR POWER STATION, came tops among other projects by students of various universities across Nigeria for its efficiency, adaptability, and affordability.
“SUNPOD holds great promise of changing the electricity landscape of Nigeria.
“Congratulations and well done for making all of us proud.”
Many weeks later, Ajayi himself wrote on his Facebook wall to celebrate his own scientific exploits and technological innovation.
His words: “I felt incredibly excited and grateful to see that God allowed my project, SUNPOD: A Solar Power Station, to come first in the Engineering Project Exhibition Competition. The recognition of my project shows its significant impact and the advantages it offers for the development and advancement of our country, Nigeria.
“Without electricity, our progress as a nation is hindered, and it’s gladdening to see the positive changes my project is bringing to Nigeria’s electricity landscape. This victory is a proof to the potential for sustainable solutions to transform our communities and contribute to a brighter future for all.”
But what is even more gladdening is the fact that Ajayi’s efforts didn’t just end with his innovative renewable energy solution, as he continues to keep the fire burning and the light shining in promoting his work to be supported, adopted and scaled up for public good.
For instace, just yesterday, 10th October, he made another post on his Facebook wall. This time around, it read: “In the early hours of today, I was in Lagos State, Nigeria, where I officially graduated from the 9-month GreenLabs Renewable Energy Incubation Programme, organized by CADEF Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation- CADEF and Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA) in Kenya. 💚
“At the event, I pitched about my innovation, SUNPOD; A solar power station for equipping individuals and communities in Nigeria with accessible and sustainable renewable energy solutions, which is made from locally sourced and recycled electronic materials before investors and the Lagos State ministry of science, technology & innovation and other industry leaders.
“During my pitch, I shared that I have never experienced 24-hour electricity in Nigeria, and that reality became my motivation to design, develop and build SUNPOD, a sustainable, affordable, and accessible clean energy solution for everyday Nigerians.
“Through my renewable energy startup, Magnificent Technology Hub (www.magnificenttechhub.com.ng), before the end of 2026, we aim to impact over 10,000 local businesses, students and households, who can no longer afford the high cost of petrol and diesel for their generators. Together, we’re reducing harmful fumes that deplete our atmosphere and embracing cleaner, greener energy.
“It’s also an amazing moment to have received the Endurance Champion Award, a proof of perseverance, innovation, and faith in the process.
“A deep sense of gratitude to CADEF and Jacob’s Ladder Africa for this life-changing opportunity and for believing in young African innovators like me. To my fellow students and young changemakers: Part of your education is identifying the problems in your country, and creating solutions to fix them.
“Don’t just study to graduate, study to innovate and make a difference.”
Unfortunately, these outstanding achievements in scientific innovation and technology by this young Nigerian are coming at a time when Uche Nnaji, the country’s minister who should have have been responsible for further inspiring Ajayi, has been forced to resign due to his very shameful failures in “certificate innovation and technology.”
He was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on August 16, 2023 as minister of science, innovation and technology but disgracefully left the cabinet on October 6, 2024 as minister of certificate innovation and technology. He may be prosecuted and jailed, as the innovation of certificates is constitutionally prohibited and also punishable by law in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The two experiences captured above are all possible pathways to achievement, and life is always all about choice. It is also your right to choose between scientific innovation like Ajayi or certificate innovation and technology like Nnaji. The consequences will also be yours.
#TopPrize
#Champion
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#EngineeringCompetition
#KWASU
#emmanuelaanuajayi #renewable
energy #lagosstate #CADEF #Josephladderafrica
